RSPCA Pearcedale: Peninsula Equine Stables open on Robinsons Rd

Ditched thoroughbreds and cruelty victims are just some of the horses set to find hope at this RSPCA facility. Take a look inside.

Chatsfield the gelding wasn’t given a second chance after finishing last in his first career start at Echuca almost 10 years ago.

The three-year-old was sold off by his owners, left to waste away on a private property with a new owner who again gave him no love.

But in 2019, Chatsfield found hope.

The four-legged friend was picked up by RSPCA Victoria, joining a heart wrenching list of more than 40 sick and neglected horses who were cared for in the 2019/20 financial year.

Suffering from poor overall health, Chatsfield commenced rehabilitation at the RSPCA’s Peninsula centre in Pearcedale.

The RSPCA team was trilled to open the Peninsula location’s new equine stables on Tuesday morning, enabling staff to provide top care for animals like Chatsfield.

The stables feature outdoor pens for each horse as well as a warm shower. Picture: RSCPA

Neglected horses like Chatsfield will be cared for at the facility. Picture: RSPCA

Horses Bunny (L) and Ziggy (R) enjoy the new facilities at the opening on Tuesday. Ziggy is set to be picked up from his new owner next week, while former racehorse Bunny is still waiting for his forever home. Picture: Brittany Goldsmith

RSPCA Victoria chief executive Liz Walker said the State Government funded stables will accommodate a diverse group of animals with a range of health concerns, providing additional shelter for animals requiring rest during treatment.

“Horse welfare is of particular concern in Victoria. In 2019/20, RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate received more than 6700 cruelty reports involving horses and is currently monitoring more than 900 horses in the community which are, or may become, vulnerable,” she said.

“Some of those horses may be cared for in these new facilities.”

Featuring five indoor stalls each with sand day-yards, revolving feed bins, sliding stable doors and specialty rubber flooring, the stables’ design elevates the use of natural light and air flow and includes dedicated water tanks, energy efficient lighting, security and the ability to stage CCTV.

There’s also a movable wall to create additional space and housing for mares and foals, along with a crush to assist with treating horses requiring vet treatment.

The facility also includes a tack and a feed room with space for scales, and a hot wash bay with non-slip flooring.

Chatsfield reached healthy weight and was the first horse to complete the RSPCA’s Racing Victoria Rest program, which offers a pathway for thoroughbreds that struggle to find the right home following their racing career.

The 13-year-old now works as a therapy horse for Racing Hearts, where clients are offered the opportunity for touch, love and feelings of support not experienced in their everyday lives.

“There are hundreds of horses like Chatsfield across the state needing homes,” Ms Walker said.

“The stables will greatly improve the level of care we can provide for horses, ponies and donkeys in the future.”